Hazard Class 7 — Radioactive Material
Excepted, Type A and Type B packages — non-destructive testing sources and instrument calibration.
Overview
Class 7 covers material whose activity concentration and total activity exceed defined thresholds. Packaging is divided into excepted packages, industrial packages (IP-1 / IP-2 / IP-3), Type A and Type B(U) / B(M), each engineered for a specific level of containment under normal and accident conditions.
Labels carry a transport index (TI) representing the external radiation level, and packages are categorised I-WHITE, II-YELLOW or III-YELLOW based on surface dose rate and TI.
Aviation context
Aviation MRO uses Class 7 primarily for non-destructive testing (NDT) — sealed gamma-ray sources for radiography of welds and composite repairs. Some legacy aircraft instruments contain small quantities of radioactive luminous material that must be classified correctly when removed and shipped.
Air carriers require specific operator approvals to accept Class 7 cargo, and many freight forwarders refuse it. AOG planning involving NDT sources must verify carrier acceptance before booking.
Typical UN numbers in aviation MRO
| UN Number | Proper Shipping Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UN2910 | Radioactive material, excepted package — limited quantity of material | Low-activity instruments and calibration sources |
| UN2915 | Radioactive material, Type A package, non-special form, non-fissile | Common NDT source category |
| UN2916 | Radioactive material, Type B(U) package, non-fissile | Higher-activity NDT and industrial sources |
Packaging and marking essentials
- Excepted packages may bear UN number marking only, with no Class 7 label, provided strict activity and dose-rate limits are met.
- Type A and Type B packages carry a Category I / II / III label showing the transport index and contents.
- Operators must apply specific stowage and separation distances based on the package's TI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a transport index?
The transport index (TI) is a number derived from the maximum radiation level (in millisieverts per hour) at 1 metre from the surface of the package, multiplied by 100. It drives both label category and aircraft stowage rules.
Are excepted Class 7 packages exempt from the DGD?
Many excepted packages do not require a Shipper's Declaration, but they still require correct marking, proper shipping name on the airway bill where applicable, and full compliance with the Class 7 excepted-package provisions. Verify against the current IATA DGR.
Need to classify a specific part?
DG Copilot identifies the UN number, hazard class and air transport status from a part number — in seconds.
Other hazard classes
This information is provided for guidance only. Always verify against the current IATA DGR edition. Final classification and DGD must be validated by a certified DG specialist.